Diabetic coma is a dangerous condition that can lead to unconsciousness and even death. Diabetic coma may affect 2% to 15% of all diabetics at least once in their lifetime and the condition that most commonly causes the coma is severe hypoglycaemia or low blood sugar. There are three main causes of coma in people with diabetes: diabetic ketoacidosis, severe […]
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Skip to: Are viruses alive? Virus structure How do viruses infect? Life cycle of a virus A virus is the smallest type of parasite to exist, usually ranging from 0.02 to 0.3μm in size, although some viruses can be as large as 1μm. A viral particle or virion contains a single nucleic acid (RNA or DNA) core surrounded by a […]
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HIV or human immunodeficiency virus infection passes through a series of stages or steps before it becomes full blown AIDS. These stages of infection as outlined in 1993 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are: Seroconversion illness Asymptomatic infection Persistent generalised lymphadenopathy (PGL) Symptomatic infection AIDS Seroconversion illness This occurs in 1 to 6 weeks after acquiring […]
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The human brain is comprised of a number of different regions. Each of these regions are vitally important with highly specialized functions. The brain is roughly divided into three parts which include the following: Forebrain Midbrain Brain stem or hind brain The central part of the brain includes the brain stem and the midbrain. The function of the midbrain and […]
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Nuclear medicine imaging involves the administration of a radiolabelled chemical called a radiopharmaceutical. This radiopharmaceutical is administered internally, via injection, swallowing or inhalation. Once taken, the chemical moves through the body to the specific organ or tissue it is attracted to, before being metabolized and excreted from the body. As the chemical moves through the body, external detectors are used […]
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Psychosis arises as part of another mental health condition. Psychosis is categorized into three main groups, based on the cause of the condition and these include: Psychosis resulting from a mental or psychological condition Psychosis resulting from a general medical health condition Psychosis resulting from drug abuse or alcohol misuse Psychosis due to mental disorders Psychosis is a feature of […]
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Acute pancreatitis is generally considered to occur in three phases. First phase This phase involves a premature activation of the powerful enzyme called trypsin. Normally the pancreas contains trypsin in an inactive form within the acinar cells. Once it is released in the gut this enzyme breaks down proteins present in the food. The pancreatic cells are protected from this […]
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Vaccines are composed of the antigen preparation as well as some other ingredients. These serve to enhance the immune reaction to the vaccine (adjuvants), stabilize and prolong the shelf-life of the vaccine (stabilizers) and preserve the vaccine components (preservatives). These are termed excipients of the vaccine. Common excipients Common excipients present in vaccine preparations include: Antibiotics Antibiotics are added to […]
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Gallstones are small stones that form in the gallbladder, usually due to a chemical imbalance in the composition of bile inside the gallbladder. Bile is produced by the liver to aid the breakdown of lipids. This chemical imbalance causes tiny crystals to form in the bile, which eventually leads to stones developing. Cholesterol gallstones The majority of gallstones are caused […]
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A nephrologist is a physician who studies and deals with nephrology. Nephrology is the adult and pediatric study of the kidneys and its diseases. The nephrologist deals with the diagnosis and management of kidney disease. The kidneys are vital for maintaining normal fluid and electrolyte balance in the body. Diseases affecting the kidneys Diseases including diabetes and high blood pressure […]
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